Voice disorder: case definition in epidemiological studies

Abstract

ase definition is of crucial importance in epidemiological studies. A good case definition must identify all individuals that have the problem and remove all individuals who don’t have it, therefore having good sensitivity and specificity. Voice disorder is a condition difficult to measure as a result from a complex interaction of biological, psychic and social factors. As a dynamic and functional expression, the disease cannot be defined in opposition to health, but as a part of the same process. This study aimed to analyze the definition of voice disorder concept through the presence of changes in the perceptual auditory analysis of voice and visual perceptual of larynx, as well as for tests concerning the self-reference of vocal symptoms and the impact of the voice disorder handicap for the individual. The research was conducted for case definition in case-control study, with the population composed by teachers from the municipal network of São Paulo. All individuals were submitted to voice and laryngeal assessments, and they answered the Condition of Vocal Production - Teacher (CPV-P) and Voice Handicap Index (VHI) questionnaires. The results indicate that the sample was divided, in a similar way, in four different groups with respect to voice disorder both by the presence of changes in the speech language therapy and otorhinolaryngological assessments, by the reference of symptoms, and as according to the impact caused by a disorder in the social and professional life.